PSYC 290 is an "entry-level" experience in which students gain first-hand experience conducting laboratory research. The scope and type of work vary across disciplines and faculty, but will involve active participation in ongoing research. Most experiences require three hours per week of laboratory for every PSYC 290 credit hour and the work is graded as S/U.
Whether you want to be a casual researcher - just need some elective hours; an exploring researcher - thinking of research as a possible career path but would like to learn more from the graduate student or faculty member in the lab; or the determined researcher - wanting to get as much experience as possible to prepare for a Ph.D. research graduate program, you'll have the opportunity.
PSYC 290 hours count toward your overall credits in Psychology and UIUC. They do not affect your GPA and cannot satisfy any specific requirements. Consider PSYC 290 credit as elective hours.
How Do I Find Research Opportunities?
Some researchers and laboratories post openings on the psychology website and others provide contact information for interested students on their websites. The expandable links below have more information about different ways to find 290 positions.
Laboratories vary in their requirements for Psych 290 students. Some require specific coursework or prior research experience, but many do not. When you reach out to a laboratory or researcher about a possible 290 position, you should attach a completed version of the following "fillable" pdf form:
This form asks for information about your experiences, coursework, and background that most laboratories will need to get started in evaluating you for a research position. (If a posted 290 position or website requests additional information, you should make sure to provide that information too.)
Examples of PSYC 290 Research Duties
Meta-analysis of literature
Recruiting participants
Data preparation and collection
Coding paper and videos
Edit unpublished manuscripts
Coding data
Run participants
Answering phone calls
Programming through Qualtrics
Imaging techniques
Administering cognitive tests
Investigator
Setting up EEG
Coding Chinese and American student behavior
Lab manager
What's Next?
- some labs have applications and some labs interview
- once you have secured a verbal agreement to work in a lab, you'll go through an approval process
- use the electronic PSYC 290 Approval Form - that will start the process
- within a few work days, you'll receive an e-mail from Psych Advising with the appropriate 5-digit CRN
- use that CRN to enroll for PSYC 290
**the CRN will default to one (1) credit hour - if you are receiving more than one (1) credit hour, please adjust**
Opportunities beyond PSYC 290
PSYC 290 can be a stepping stone to more involved research, PSYC 494, Advanced Research in Psychology, which can lead to additional research opportunities - Honors Program or Capstone Program - that can lead to writing a bachelor's thesis.